Elezi: Kurti uses security issues for pre-election purposes, that's how he won the last elections

Security expert Bedri Elezi has assessed that Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti is using security issues for pre-election purposes, just as he did in the past, which helped him win the previous elections.

Commenting on Kurti’s statements that his government will guarantee Kosovo’s borders with its neighbors and that anyone threatening Kosovo’s security will be strictly punished, Elezi said these remarks should be viewed solely in the context of the election campaign.

"Kurti has made similar statements multiple times during previous election cycles, which earned him political points and enabled him to form a government. These statements are primarily political in nature and are part of his strategy to gain voters' trust," Elezi told Kosovo Online.

Recalling various security challenges Kosovo has faced, from the arrests of Kosovo police officers to the events in Banjska, Elezi stresses that border security falls under the exclusive authority of KFOR.

"Kosovo’s security is a key issue, but it is important to emphasize that, according to UN Security Council Resolution 1244, KFOR has the mandate to guarantee Kosovo’s sovereignty and security while ensuring border protection. Kosovo’s institutions must coordinate their activities with the NATO mission rather than act unilaterally," Elezi stated.

He added that after the incident in Banjska and in North Mitrovica, KFOR increased its presence in northern Kosovo, which led to a stabilization of the situation.

However, he warned that many factors could affect security, including potential instability within Serbia.

"Kosovo must remain cautious and continue cooperating with international partners to avoid an escalation of tensions," Elezi said.

He emphasized that Kosovo must not take actions that could endanger citizens of neighboring countries or violate borders.

"Kosovo has the right to defend its sovereignty, but it must do so in accordance with international regulations and in cooperation with KFOR and other relevant actors," Elezi stressed.

He also warned that these are not the only statements from Kurti that fall into the category of unfulfilled election promises.

One of the key unfulfilled commitments, according to Elezi, is the government's pledge to improve working conditions for the Kosovo Police.

"The Kosovo government has not met even the minimum obligations it took on in the last election campaign, particularly regarding health insurance for Kosovo Police officers. Realistically, we can say that the Kosovo Police is not in good condition because Kurti’s government has not been properly dedicated to improving it," Elezi argued.

He pointed to issues such as budget increases and the supply of the Kosovo Police, from ammunition to uniforms.

"We have seen serious problems with the lack of additional payments for Kosovo police officers working beyond official hours," the analyst noted.

Another issue, according to Elezi, is the involvement of the police in controversial cases based on poor analysis.

"We have seen Prime Minister Kurti attempt to engage the police in disputed cases based on flawed assessments. The Kosovo Police is an institution that guarantees security for all citizens, regardless of gender, race, age, or ethnicity. Therefore, no actions should be taken without prior coordination with NATO, the US, and the EU," Elezi stated, adding that the Kosovo Police must ensure the safety of all citizens, especially the Serbs living in four northern municipalities.

"The Kosovo Police must be committed to its duties while also receiving the necessary support it has been lacking," Elezi concluded.

For this reason, he expects more members from other communities to join the Kosovo Police, as this would help guarantee security for all citizens, regardless of nationality or gender.